The UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Central African Republic opens on Monday. VNA/VNS Photo

NEW YORK — Ambassador Đặng Đình Quý, head of the Việt Nam mission to the UN, has appreciated the Central African Republic’s efforts to ensure national stability and create an environment conducive to the organisation of elections, despite increasing violence and escalating tensions.

While addressing the UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in the Central African Republic on Monday, Quý stressed that attacks by armed groups, including those against civilians, posed a serious challenge, especially in the last stages of electoral preparations.

Implementing the peace agreement is the only viable path forward, he said, also calling on the signatories to abide by the UN Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Continued technical and financial support is required from the international community to help fill funding gaps for the upcoming election and to alleviate the humanitarian effects of COVID-19,” Quý stated.

Underlining the important role being played by regional stakeholders, including the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), he reiterated Việt Nam’s support for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and called for full respect for the safety and security of peacekeepers.

MINUSCA was set up on the basis of the UN Resolution 2149 in 2014 with the aim to protect civilians, support the peace process, make and reform laws, and solve humanitarian challenges. Việt Nam now has six officers joining MINUSCA.

Speaking at the event, Mankeur Ndiaye, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the Central African Republic and Head of the MINUSCA, reiterated his appeal to the Central African Republic and neighbouring nations to allow refugees to participate in the electoral process.

He also welcomed a rise in women’s participation, noting that they now comprise 46 per cent of the electoral roll. 

The elections are slated for late December. — VNS